clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Film-Themed Cafe Orson's Belly Headed to the Richmond

Silent-film screenings, fresh baked goods, and wine in the evenings.

Orson's Belly/Facebook

The strip of Balboa near 19th Avenue in the Richmond "really needed a good neighborhood cafe," says Cem Salur, and that's exactly what he's hoping to provide—with a dose of cinematic flair inspired by his film-school education. Orson's Belly (named for Mr. Welles, of course) will not only offer cafe fare, but a selection of movie-themed memorabilia, from silent films screening on the wall and vintage posters (many for sale) decorating the space. "I wanted to blend cinema and hospitality in a cafe environment," says Salur, and he found the perfect space in the form of a dive bar that's been vacant for a decade.

Tablehopper got the first word on the project, which will have 50 seats and feature Four Barrel coffee and pastries in the morning, and fresh-baked quiches and sandwiches on house-baked bread in the afternoon. In the evening, Salur hopes to segue into a wine-bar vibe, with cheese plates and other bar snacks to accompany a selection of local craft beers and NorCal wines. He's also hoping to do kids' nights, where he screens a movie for tots while their parents kick back with a drink. Orson's Belly is looking to make an August debut, in time for Outside Lands and the end of the summer movie season.

Orson's Belly

1737 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA